Phrasal verbs with 'GROW'

GROW APART – to experience changes in the relationship and become less friendly or close

Despite being very close in the past, Budin and Brumb are growing apart now. They don't share their toys anymore and can't decide who's bigger and cooler.

GROW BACK – to grow again after being cut, trimmed or damaged

You cut your hair sooo short! Aha, that looks kinda strange! Oh, don't worry, it's just hair, it'll grow back sooner or later.

GROW INTO – 1) to become big enough to fit into something (like clothes or body parts that looked too big for you); 2) to develop or mature and become something or someone as time passes

Can you imagine, Peter has finally grown into (1) his elder brother's shoes! I'm sure he’ll grow into (2) a fine man in a blink of an eye.

GROW OUT – 1) to become too large to fit into your old clothes; 2) to become too old or mature for a particular activity and stop doing it; 3) to be a result of something

“Did you gain weight again?"

“Phah, nope! I just… grew out of (1) my jeans”

“No way! It's your new jeans. This situation grew out (3) of your habit of eating your feelings”

“Maybe you’re right. I hope I’ll grow out (2) of it with time and find a different way to get rid of the stress”

GROW TO – to start to do, like or feel something

I didn't even notice how I grew to like dad jokes.

GROW UP – 1) to stop being a baby or child and turn into a mature person; 2) to stop behaving and thinking like a child; 3) to start to exist and then become larger or more important;

Ethan grew up (1) in a small town with poor infrastructure. He dreamed of turning his hometown into a big urban center. Ethan's friends told him to grow up (2) and stop dreaming about impossible things. As time passed, Ethan made a fortune and started to invest in his hometown. Lots of new hospitals, kindergartens, museums, schools, and other facilities grew up (3) very fast.

GROW ON (UPON) – 1) to become more liked by someone or familiar to someone than before; 2) to gradually become more obvious

This song will grow on (1) you after a little while, I promise. Just give it a chance. Enjoyment will grow upon (2) you as you listen to it over and over again.

GROW AWAY FROM – 1) to become less friendly and close with someone or stop sharing the same interest with them; 2) to stop being dependent on someone or something

Tom and Jerry haven’t seen their father for a long time. When they were children, Tom and Jerry were very close to him but afer their mother had died, their father changed. Brothers started to gradually grow away from (1) him. At the age of 17, they decided to grow away from (2) their father and move to another city.

GROW FROM – 1) to be the result of something, to develop from something; 2) to mature

All my fears grew from (1) childhood trauma. I’m going to face them and grow from (2) it.

GROW TOGETHER – to become closer or more attached (literally and figuratively) over time

The best way to eliminate that hostility between Liam and Mason is to make them work on the same project. They'll be spending a lot of time in each other's company and eventually they'll grow together.

GROW UP ON – to do or have smth in your childhood

Hey! Elton John is the greatest singer ever! I grew up (1) on his songs!

Test your knowledge of phrasal verbs with 'grow' here:

Test 1

Test 2